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Successful outcome for Council’s littering prosecutions

Littering pair now convicted and fined and ordered to pay compensation and clean up costs.

By Portal Admin - 1st July 2018 - Back to News

A long running investigation into littering in the HVP plantations has been finalised with Latrobe City Council successfully prosecuting two Traralgon residents. The pair were convicted and fined and ordered to pay compensation and clean up costs.

Latrobe City Council’s mayor, Councillor Darrell White OAM, said the convictions were a result of many months of painstaking investigation.

"We are extremely pleased with the outcome of the prosecution. Littering is environmental vandalism. Not only is it unsightly, it is dangerous – leaving rubbish in the bush can cause harm to animals and vegetation. Dumping rubbish also speaks to a careless mindset, a disregard of the amenity of our municipality and of the wider community.

"There are safe, secure and lawful ways to dispose of unwanted rubbish. Much of it is free or low-cost. The plantations, the bush or our roadsides are not there to be abused. We are a community that is proud of its region and this prosecution is about ensuring the community can trust Council to do the right thing when it comes to holding rubbish dumpers accountable for their actions," Cr White said.

Two dump sites were identified in the HVP plantations in December 2016. The investigation led to the co-accused. After five court appearances all charges were proven and substantial financial penalties handed down.

The male co-accused was convicted and fined $2,000 as part of an aggregate order and ordered to pay Council’s costs in the amount of $2,000 and compensation $926.25 for the clean-up of the rubbish.

The female co-accused was convicted and fined $1,000 as part of an aggregate order and ordered to pay Council’s costs in the amount of $2,000.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: support@gippsland.com